Lot 393: Marquis de Lafayette

Lot 393: LS in French, signed "Lafayette," one page, 7.25 x 8.5, May 6, 1829. An intriguing letter regarding an exiled friend, in part (translated): "I would not allow myself to add a new note to the one that the Minister of Foreign Affairs has been willing to receive, should not I have at this time the duty to comply as a simple messenger. General Corrijos, whom, after having lived for some time in Alencon is now in England, has given me the responsibility to hand in to the Minister the report…He will find in it a very clear account of the facts and rights upon which about fifty Spanish officers founded their complaints. I do not doubt that justice will be dispensed to them by the Minister; and I would like very much that the answer from the French Minister of Justice, while in interim, will sort this affair out, that is valued as much, it seems to me, to our French honor, than the one of the claimants." In fine condition, with intersecting folds and two tiny holes to upper corners. This letter presumably misspells the surname of Jose Maria de Torrijos y Uriarte as "Corrijos." Also known as 'General Torrijos,' he was a Spanish military officer who first distinguished himself in the popular uprisings against Napoleon's invasion in 1808. He continued in revolutionary activities until 1823, when a French invasion forced him to surrender his post at Cartagena and live in exile. He first traveled to France, where he met and befriended Lafayette, staying only five months before leaving for London due to Louis XVIII's hostility to the Spanish liberals.
RR Auction's Fine Autographs and Artifacts Auction 456
Wednesday, 15th July 2015
Estimate: $800-1000